Description

Exceptional 1854-D Three Dollar, AU58Ex: Bass

1854-D $3 AU58 NGC. Pedigreed to the celebrated Harry W.
Bass, Jr. Collection, this rare three dollar resides in the upper
echelon of graded examples for the issue. Between 1854 and 1889, a
total of 39 different three dollar business strike issues were
produced, six of which saw a smaller mintage of coins than the
1854-D. This, of course, excludes the unique 1870-S Bass coin and
the three proof-only issues. However, the 1854-D is less frequently
encountered in high grade than any of the lower mintage issues. It
is clear that the entirety of the scant production total of 1,120
pieces entered circulation. The six lower mintage threes were
struck in the 1880s, toward the end of the series, and apparently
were saved by astute collectors of that era. This fact is confirmed
by a quick perusal of current population figures at NGC and
PCGS.
Beyond its obvious rarity in any grade, the 1854-D three holds the
distinction of being the only issue of this odd denomination to be
produced at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia. It is not clear why
Dahlonega only struck coins in the inaugural year of the three
dollar series, which encompassed a 36-year period. It is obvious,
however, that almost every extant example of this date suffers from
the lack of quality common to Dahlonega gold coinage. Take, for
example, the lack of dentilation on the current coin. Due to poorly
prepared dies and improper press adjustments, nearly all 1854-D
three dollars show weakness at the peripheries, sometimes severely,
resulting in missing dentils. Such is the case with the three in
this lot. Coincidentally, the arguably finest known 1854-D three is
part of the Bass Core Collection and currently resides in the ANA
Money Museum in Colorado Springs. That particular piece is perhaps
the only known survivor boasting complete dentilation throughout
and was highly prized by Mr. Bass.
This is a remarkably bright and attractive piece that retains
significant portions of mint luster. Well struck for the issue with
just a bit of highpoint softness. There are no obvious pedigree
markers on either side, just a couple of clash marks in the reverse
fields.Ex: Herbert Tobias (2/1972); Bass II (Bowers & Merena,
10/1999), lot 651.
From The DAX Collection.(Registry values: N7079) (NGC ID# 25M4, PCGS# 7970)

Consign to the 2019 April 24 - 30 Central States World Coins Signature Auction - Chicago.

Learn about consigning with us

With the superb catalog, a masterwork prepared by Mark Borckhardt, the sale was destined to meet all of my expectations; that it did, and then some. Be assured that I would highly recommend Heritage Auctions to any of my associates contemplating the sale
Alan B.,Las Vegas, NV